Finding the right resources to assist hoarders can be just as difficult, since it can be challenging to determine whether a service will adequately address what is certainly a complicated situation.
Choosing the right services that meet your loved one's specific needs is critical. Depending on the severity of the hoarding situation, your loved one may need more extensive help from an experienced and properly-trained company.
Studies show that compulsive hoarding affects 19 million Americans. While there are many cleaning services in the market, it's important to choose one that specializes in hoarding. That's because reputable hoarder cleaning services:
- Have extensive experience dealing with hoarding situations, from mild to severe.
- Offer a variety of services that address all 5 stages of hoarding.
- Work with a network of professionals to make sure your family member regains control of his or her home.
- Work with social workers or other officials if outside individuals have gotten involved
- Most importantly, a high-quality hoarder cleaning service supports the hoarder and hoarder's family members throughout the entire process. Especially in extreme situations, not getting the help you and your loved one need can continue the cycle of worry, stress and friction in your relationship.
Here's how a professional hoarder cleaning service can help break that cycle.
Experience With Hoarding Situations
Hoarder homes often have health and safety issues. Not only can they be a safety hazard for the hoarder and family member, they also can present issues for cleaning crews as well. Working in them goes beyond a standard cleaning.
Trained experts know how to deal with risks that include:
- Fire and chemical hazards
- Blocked walkways
- Falling piles of items
- Structural damage to the home
- Unsanitary conditions from mold, bacteria, dust, dirt, animals and bug infestations
- Hoarding cleanup specialists also understand the emotional toll the cleanup process takes on everyone involved. Providing compassion, respect and professionalism should be top priorities for any hoarder cleaning service.
Your hoarder cleaning service also should:
- Understand how family dynamics work and be able to create and execute a plan even in the most difficult situations.
- Prioritize privacy to help the hoarder retain dignity and feel respected.
- Be company insured to give you peace of mind that the job will be done right with no damage.
- Many individuals struggle to overcome their hoarding disorder. Experienced hoarder cleaning services know relapse can occur. That's why it's important to talk with the cleaning company about whether it provides ongoing services, making it easier to get help next time.
A Variety Of Services
Professional hoarding cleaning companies that offer extensive experience help ensure a favorable outcome. When a cleaning company comes on board, it will perform crucial steps that help determine a course of action. These include:
- Assessing the situation first to determine safety issues, as well as staff and supplies needed
- Forming a cleaning strategy to designate what work will be done, when it will be done and by whom
- Arranging for equipment and supplies, including trucks, dumpsters, cleaning supplies and other contractors
- Implementing the cleaning strategy, and restoring the home to make it once again safe and livable
- Remove furniture and mattresses
- Deep clean health-related risk areas
- Recycle appliances and electronics
- Remove trash, hazardous waste, yard waste and construction waste
- Identify and transport unwanted items identified for donation
- Help with repairs to the home
- It can take an enormous amount of time to thoroughly clean a hoarder's home, coordinate contractors, remove trash and organize remaining belongings – all by yourself. Professional hoarding cleanup services focus on the well-being of your loved one while ensuring the home is cleaned as quickly as possible.
And although they will advocate for the hoarder's best interest, they will remain neutral without an emotional attachment to the belongings – allowing the cleaning process to move forward.
A Network Of Professionals
The best hoarder cleaning companies go beyond the services they can provide themselves. They also have a network of professionals they can recommend to you – companies they have worked with and can vouch for their expertise.
These additional resources may include:
- Estate sale companies if the hoarder is leaving the property or is removing belongings that are still in good condition
- Professional organizers that can further arrange belongings in the home once cleaning is completed
- Licensed exterminators to assist with removing infestations and improving living conditions
- Garbage bin rental companies for large cleaning jobs
- Licensed contractors to help with home repairs or structural damage, including plumbing, electrical or appliance specialists
- City zoning officials to work with you to understand what is needed to bring the home of a hoarder back up to code
- We also strongly recommend a mental health professional consults with the cleaning services team, especially in extreme hoarding situations. A mental health professional can provide additional support throughout the cleaning process, as well as afterward to identify the underlying cause for the clutter.
Bottom Line
Hoarding can quickly go from simple clutter to a serious health issue. Bringing in a professional cleaning service company with extensive experience in dealing with hoarding situations is critical in ensuring a successful outcome.
Each hoarding situation is complicated and unique in its own way. Seeking professional help puts your loved one on a better path toward wellness, as well as provides support for you as you experience your own set of challenges during this difficult time.